Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the European working time directive for non-consultant hospital doctors; the manpower implications that this will have on small hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22722/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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In relation to the progress made in implementation of the Directive and the implications for small hospitals, I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

With regard to the impact of the European Working Time Directive on services, there is wide spread acceptance that attainment of compliance is good for patient safety. It is agreed that it serves no good purpose to have over-stretched, over-tired junior doctors treating patients. The use of excessive levels of overtime is not in patients' best interests. The Labour Court, in Recommendation 19559 of June 2009, accepted the HSE's requirements to provide hospital services in a structured way 7 days per week, 24 hours per day and accordingly recommended that NCHDs should undertake to operate 5/7 day working with effect from 1st July 2009. The Labour Court also recommended that the core working hours should run from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. at weekends. These recommendations were accepted by the IMO and the HSE. They are now reflected in the NCHD contract and represent a significant step forward towards achieving EWTD compliance.